Kimberley Bird Watchinghttp://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au
Birdwatching and wildlife tours in North Western AustraliaWed, 23 Aug 2017 10:09:20 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.9Ashmore Reef 2018http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/ashmore-reef-2018/
http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/ashmore-reef-2018/#respondSat, 05 Aug 2017 00:07:03 +0000http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/?p=240The 2018 Ashmore Reef trip has been scheduled with plenty of lead time to allow people to book early and secure their berth. We are now chartering The Diversity with 12 berths available. A good manageable number with practical implications for the trips confirmation. The 2018 trip will also visit Browse Island (full access) on our return journey and possibly the Lacepede islands if we have time and the conditions allow us to land safely. We have secured full access to all the Ashmore Islands and sand cays. The itinerary and our course will remain much the same as previous trips following the continental shelf break on our way north to Scott Reef and heading west of Ashmore into very deep water before heading east to Ashmore Reef and the inner mooring located close to West Island. Over 16 years the Ashmore has been running the pelagic sea birding has always thrown up exciting experiences and the opportunity to see some very rare species with challenging identification issues. The opportunity for Mammal watchers is also fantastic with some amazing cetacean sightings over the years. For keen bird photographers the Ashmore trip is a must with tantalising opportunities to grab that special shot. Dates: 8th to the 16th of November 2018 Vessel: The Diversity Cost: AUD$6,300.00 Duration: 9 days

]]>The 2018 Ashmore Reef trip has been scheduled with plenty of lead time to allow people to book early and secure their berth. We are now chartering The Diversity with 12 berths available. A good manageable number with practical implications for the trips confirmation. The 2018 trip will also visit Browse Island (full access) on our return journey and possibly the Lacepede islands if we have time and the conditions allow us to land safely.

We have secured full access to all the Ashmore Islands and sand cays. The itinerary and our course will remain much the same as previous trips following the continental shelf break on our way north to Scott Reef and heading west of Ashmore into very deep water before heading east to Ashmore Reef and the inner mooring located close to West Island. Over 16 years the Ashmore has been running the pelagic sea birding has always thrown up exciting experiences and the opportunity to see some very rare species with challenging identification issues. The opportunity for Mammal watchers is also fantastic with some amazing cetacean sightings over the years.

For keen bird photographers the Ashmore trip is a must with tantalising opportunities to grab that special shot.

]]>http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/ashmore-reef-2018/feed/0Ashmore Reef 2017http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/ashmore-reef-2017/
Thu, 03 Aug 2017 23:54:49 +0000http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/?p=225Kimberley Birdwatching is running the successful annual pelagic trip from Broome to Ashmore Reef and return in November 2017 the trip will be led by Dr Rohan Clark and George Swann. The 2016 trip was hugely successful and this year we’ll be visiting Browse Island again on the return leg. Browse Island has recently become a very exciting focus of this trip with some extraordinary sightings. Last year’s trip had a pair of immature Chinese Sparrowhawks on the island, so it’s almost a case of throwing the dice in the air and guessing what’s it going to be next? Previous records include Arctic Warbler, Island Monarch, Blue and White, Asian Brown and Dark sided Flycatcher, Tiger Shrike, Black Bittern and Pechora Pipit. The Ashmore trip is regularly consistent for many sought after pelagic species which of course is why it has such appeal to many birders. The very real chance to see such enigmatic species as Jouanin’s Petrel and Swinhoe’s Storm petrel. The trip has also performed remarkably well for Abbots Booby over the years, initially thought to be a vagrant to the area Abbott’s Booby is clearly a regular visitor. Ashmore Reef itself never fails to impress visiting birders and naturalists the islands supporting a vast selection of tropical seabirds including all three species of Noddy together, impressive flocks of shorebirds and huge potential for vagrants and less common irregular migrants. Ashmore also has great snorkelling so don’t forget your mask and fins. Dates: 5th to the 13th of November 2017 Charter operator: Diversity Charters Vessel: The Diversity Cost: AUD$6,300.00 Duration: 9 days 2 Berths remaining to book contact George Swann 0429 706 800 or email, info@kimberleybirdwatching.com. Download 2016 Ashmore Reef Summary

]]>Kimberley Birdwatching is running the successful annual pelagic trip from Broome to Ashmore Reef and return in November 2017 the trip will be led by Dr Rohan Clark and George Swann. The 2016 trip was hugely successful and this year we’ll be visiting Browse Island again on the return leg. Browse Island has recently become a very exciting focus of this trip with some extraordinary sightings. Last year’s trip had a pair of immature Chinese Sparrowhawks on the island, so it’s almost a case of throwing the dice in the air and guessing what’s it going to be next? Previous records include Arctic Warbler, Island Monarch, Blue and White, Asian Brown and Dark sided Flycatcher, Tiger Shrike, Black Bittern and Pechora Pipit.

The Ashmore trip is regularly consistent for many sought after pelagic species which of course is why it has such appeal to many birders. The very real chance to see such enigmatic species as Jouanin’s Petrel and Swinhoe’s Storm petrel. The trip has also performed remarkably well for Abbots Booby over the years, initially thought to be a vagrant to the area Abbott’s Booby is clearly a regular visitor. Ashmore Reef itself never fails to impress visiting birders and naturalists the islands supporting a vast selection of tropical seabirds including all three species of Noddy together, impressive flocks of shorebirds and huge potential for vagrants and less common irregular migrants. Ashmore also has great snorkelling so don’t forget your mask and fins.

]]>Ashmore Reef 2015http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/ashmore-reef-2015/
http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/ashmore-reef-2015/#commentsSun, 01 Feb 2015 05:16:00 +0000http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/?p=208We are now taking bookings for the October-November 2015 Ashmore Reef /Browse Island trip. If you are interested in this trip to Ashmore Reef and Browse Island please email George Swann info@kimberleybirdwatching.com.au, or scroll down on Tours and Trips on this website and click on Ashmore March 2015, an online brochure for this trip is available for viewing or download on this page. This trip will be lead by Mike Carter renowned Australian birder & leading twitcher and George Swann, Kimberley bird guide and Organiser for the trip, both Mike and George are Ashmore Birding veterans with over 20 trips each to their names. The 8 day itinerary will follow much the same route and timing as previous October trips except that we will visit Browse Island instead of the Lacepede Islands. If you wish to discuss any aspects of these trips please contact George Swann by phone 0429 706 800 or email info@kimberleybirdwatching.com.au Ashmore Brochure 2015 final

If you are interested in this trip to Ashmore Reef and Browse Island please email George Swann info@kimberleybirdwatching.com.au, or scroll down on Tours and Trips on this website and click on Ashmore March 2015, an online brochure for this trip is available for viewing or download on this page.

This trip will be lead by Mike Carter renowned Australian birder & leading twitcher and George Swann, Kimberley bird guide and Organiser for the trip, both Mike and George are Ashmore Birding veterans with over 20 trips each to their names. The 8 day itinerary will follow much the same route and timing as previous October trips except that we will visit Browse Island instead of the Lacepede Islands.

If you wish to discuss any aspects of these trips please contact George Swann by phone 0429 706 800 or email info@kimberleybirdwatching.com.au

Kimberley Birdwatching is based in Broome, which is situated in the southwest corner of the Kimberley division. The Kimberley is one of the most exciting and least explored regions for the birdwatcher and naturalist. Our tours also cover the Northern Territory.

]]>Kimberley Bird Watching offers the most authoritative birdwatching and wildlife tours in North Western Australia.

Kimberley Birdwatching is based in Broome, which is situated in the southwest corner of the Kimberley division. The Kimberley is one of the most exciting and least explored regions for the birdwatcher and naturalist. Our tours also cover the Northern Territory.

]]>http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/welcome/feed/010 Day Black Grasswren Tour – Accommodatedhttp://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/10-day-black-grasswren-tour-accommodated/
http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/10-day-black-grasswren-tour-accommodated/#respondTue, 21 Jan 2014 02:57:18 +0000http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/?p=85From Broome to Derby we visited Taylor’s Lagoon, the Logue River and Willare Bridge on the Fitzroy River. We did well for raptors including good views of Black Falcon, Little Eagle, Black-breasted Buzzard and Square-tailed Kite. 27 Red-necked Avocets at the Logue River pool were an unexpected surprise. We finished the day off with a pair of Great-billed Herons at the Derby Wharf. The Derby mangroves in the vicinity of the wharf were quiet, perhaps the cool conditions had something to do with it, however Mangrove Golden Whistler, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Yellow White-eyes and Mangrove Grey Fantail showed well. Small flocks of Terek Sandpipers and Whimbrel were seen on the mudflats and the odd Eastern Curlew. The famous Derby Sewerage Works has undergone some drastic changes, however it was still worth a visit with well over thirty species recorded. Lovely views of White-throated Gerygone in nearby scrub made a good start. In the King Leopold Ranges on our way to Mt. Hart several small flocks of Pictorella Mannikins were recorded. After a comfortable night at Mt. Hart an early morning walk revealed several Australian Bustards promenading down the airstrip, and a Yellow Oriole feeding on Mulberries in the homestead gardens. A lunch stop on the Hann River, Gibb River Road, had a rather gory flavour as we witnessed a Brown Falcon capturing a Varied Lorikeet, which the Falcon proceeded to tear to pieces. Mt. Elizabeth Station is a wonderful birding location and our stay here enabled us to bird a few good spots. We were lucky enough to find 2 juvenile Gouldians but no adults! Seconds later in the same spot an adult male Northern Shrike Tit and Crested Bellbird were found. Masked Woodswallows were seen regularly in many different areas during our 10 day journey. Unfortunately we did not see any White-browed Woodswallows amongst them. Our visit to the Mitchell Plateau was a little disappointing as we failed to see the main target bird the Black Grasswren and it wasn’t for the want of trying! We did however find both …

]]>From Broome to Derby we visited Taylor’s Lagoon, the Logue River and Willare Bridge on the Fitzroy River. We did well for raptors including good views of Black Falcon, Little Eagle, Black-breasted Buzzard and Square-tailed Kite. 27 Red-necked Avocets at the Logue River pool were an unexpected surprise. We finished the day off with a pair of Great-billed Herons at the Derby Wharf.

The Derby mangroves in the vicinity of the wharf were quiet, perhaps the cool conditions had something to do with it, however Mangrove Golden Whistler, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Yellow White-eyes and Mangrove Grey Fantail showed well. Small flocks of Terek Sandpipers and Whimbrel were seen on the mudflats and the odd Eastern Curlew.

The famous Derby Sewerage Works has undergone some drastic changes, however it was still worth a visit with well over thirty species recorded. Lovely views of White-throated Gerygone in nearby scrub made a good start. In the King Leopold Ranges on our way to Mt. Hart several small flocks of Pictorella Mannikins were recorded.

After a comfortable night at Mt. Hart an early morning walk revealed several Australian Bustards promenading down the airstrip, and a Yellow Oriole feeding on Mulberries in the homestead gardens.

A lunch stop on the Hann River, Gibb River Road, had a rather gory flavour as we witnessed a Brown Falcon capturing a Varied Lorikeet, which the Falcon proceeded to tear to pieces.

Mt. Elizabeth Station is a wonderful birding location and our stay here enabled us to bird a few good spots. We were lucky enough to find 2 juvenile Gouldians but no adults! Seconds later in the same spot an adult male Northern Shrike Tit and Crested Bellbird were found. Masked Woodswallows were seen regularly in many different areas during our 10 day journey. Unfortunately we did not see any White-browed Woodswallows amongst them.

Our visit to the Mitchell Plateau was a little disappointing as we failed to see the main target bird the Black Grasswren and it wasn’t for the want of trying! We did however find both White-lined Honeyeaters and Green-backed Gerygones in good numbers. White-quilled Rock-Pigeons were common and our efforts were rewarded as we also enjoyed excellent views of Partridge Pigeon. Interesting raptors seen on the plateau included four Pacific Bazas performing undulating displays between prolonged thermalling, a single Peregrine Falcon was seen well, over Little Mertens Falls and 5 minutes later was followed by an adult Square-tailed Kite. While searching for the Grasswrens we made up for their absence by enjoying on several occasions fantastic views of Variegated Wrens (race rogersi), we hoped in vain the Fairy Wrens were accompanied by their black mates but to no avail. An interesting observation of Common Bronzewings coming down to drink at Camp Creek Crossing in the late afternoon, with failing light there may have been more than the dozen counted. Other interesting species seen around the Mitchell Plateau area included Little-Shrike Thrush, Varied Triller and Figbird.

On the Drysdale River (another gory bit) we disturbed a Barking Owl still clutching its half eaten breakfast of Tawny Frogmouth. On a lighter note super views of Purple-crowned Wrens, Black-chinned Honeyeaters and Crimson Finch. On the Gibb River Road Masked Finch and rather frustrating views of Red Goshawk, very high up and thermalling until it descended in a gentle and continuous stoop out of sight, I believe the bird was a young male with worn plumage due to the indistinct barring on the underside of the flight feathers but darker belly. Back at Mt. Elizabeth we had some splendid luck having almost given up for the mornings birding because of the strong cool easterly wind, we found a group of Gouldians, a stunning black faced male and twenty six juveniles. We were eventually surrounded by these Gouldians having crept up to where they were feeding, a great experience indeed. We also enjoyed close views of Black-tailed Treecreeper and Pallid Cuckoo. The rest of the day on our return to Broome was pretty good also with great views of Sandstone Shrike-thrush at the “Bench” King Leopold Ranges plus a couple of Short-eared Rock Wallabys. A pair of Ground Cuckoo-shrikes and Pictorella Mannikins at Donkey Creek and a Red-browed Pardalote on Wombarella Creek.

A great birding trip in June with cool nights and beautiful days. Comfortable friendly homestead accommodation with home cooked meals and best of all – lots of birds. Our final tally for the trip – 156 species.

]]>http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/10-day-black-grasswren-tour-accommodated/feed/0Pelagic – Ashmore Reefhttp://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/pelagic-ashmore-reef/
http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/pelagic-ashmore-reef/#respondTue, 21 Jan 2014 02:51:01 +0000http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/?p=74The annual Pelagic Trip to Ashmore Reef aboard the Flying Fish Five continues to grow in popularity and considering the number of exciting species that we see including birds, cetaceans, turtles and sea snakes etc it is hardly surprising. In shallow water north of Broome lots of Terns including Roseate, Brown Boobies and Lesser Frigatebirds. Once in deep water on the second day we started to see Tahiti Petrels and Bulwer’s Petrel. We eventually saw all possible 3 Jaegers, Long-tailed, Pomerine and Arctic. Overall we saw lots of Storm Petrels including Matsudaira’s and Swinhoes. The cetacean highlight for the trip was the discovery of Fraser’s Dolphins amongst a large pod of Short-finned Pilot Whales and Spinner Dolphins. Calm conditions are ideal for spotting these animals and we were graced with several days of what the boaties term as a “glass off”. It was a fantastic trip for cetaceans with 8 species seen. Ashmore Reef itself was spectacular, we had access to all three islands care of Her Majesty’s Customs escorting us which was very good of them. This is an exclusive opportunity to witness the spectacular seabird breeding opportunities of Middle and East Island. As for rare vagrant birds on West Island, it’s hard to believe that we found two species of vagrants namely Asian Brown Flycatcher and Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler that were found last year. Had they stayed on the island from last year? Who knows? Everyone had excellent views of these two rare birds in an Australian territory. A pair of Black-faced Cuckoo Shrikes were also on the Island and with further research there is a good chance they are actually Wallacian Cuckoo Shrikes—a close Indonesian relative to the common Australian bird. This trip is a MUST for any keen birdwatcher and worth every penny.

]]>The annual Pelagic Trip to Ashmore Reef aboard the Flying Fish Five continues to grow in popularity and considering the number of exciting species that we see including birds, cetaceans, turtles and sea snakes etc it is hardly surprising. In shallow water north of Broome lots of Terns including Roseate, Brown Boobies and Lesser Frigatebirds. Once in deep water on the second day we started to see Tahiti Petrels and Bulwer’s Petrel. We eventually saw all possible 3 Jaegers, Long-tailed, Pomerine and Arctic. Overall we saw lots of Storm Petrels including Matsudaira’s and Swinhoes. The cetacean highlight for the trip was the discovery of Fraser’s Dolphins amongst a large pod of Short-finned Pilot Whales and Spinner Dolphins. Calm conditions are ideal for spotting these animals and we were graced with several days of what the boaties term as a “glass off”. It was a fantastic trip for cetaceans with 8 species seen. Ashmore Reef itself was spectacular, we had access to all three islands care of Her Majesty’s Customs escorting us which was very good of them.

This is an exclusive opportunity to witness the spectacular seabird breeding opportunities of Middle and East Island. As for rare vagrant birds on West Island, it’s hard to believe that we found two species of vagrants namely Asian Brown Flycatcher and Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler that were found last year. Had they stayed on the island from last year? Who knows? Everyone had excellent views of these two rare birds in an Australian territory. A pair of Black-faced Cuckoo Shrikes were also on the Island and with further research there is a good chance they are actually Wallacian Cuckoo Shrikes—a close Indonesian relative to the common Australian bird.

]]>http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/pelagic-ashmore-reef/feed/0Wet Season Visit to Ashmore Reefhttp://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/wet-season-visit-ashmore-reef/
http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/wet-season-visit-ashmore-reef/#respondThu, 21 Nov 2013 02:54:56 +0000http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/?p=83A 10 day private trip to Ashmore Reef in January, 10 days of pure birdwatching. The journey from Darwin to Ashmore turned out to be a bit slow on the bird front. A few Crested Terns were seen loafing on floating bits of timber and several Brown Boobies were perched on navigator markers in Darwin harbour, then to my great excitement four Irrawaddi Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) bobbed past the bow – unexpected to say the least. A few Lesser Frigatebirds and mixed flocks of Common and White-winged Black Terns were concentrating on baitfish, several Streaked Shearwaters seen later that afternoon. More cetacean excitement with a pod of 6 False Killer Whales followed shortly afterwards by several large pods of Tropical Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris). At first light the following day I saw the first Sooty Terns of the trip quickly followed by 4 Pantropical Spotted Dolphins (Stenella attenuate). After a rushed breakfast – I didn’t want to miss any action – more Sooty Terns were seen and a Green Sea Turtle (Chilonias midas). By mid morning Common Noddies were mixed with Sooty Terns and excitement reached new levels with a superb view of one Tahiti Petrel. The extraordinary sight of two lemon migrant butterflies Catopsilia pomona pomona, which were living up to their name, this species was also recorded on Ashmore later on the trip. On the approach to Ashmore large numbers of birds were seen at sea, Lesser Frigatebirds, Sooty Terns, Common Noddies, Black Noddies and Great Frigatebird. After our arrival I investigated West Island, hot conditions seemed to slow the bird activity down. However a nice selection of species were found but unfortunately no vagrants. Birds recorded on West Island included Eastern Reef Egrets, with white morphs easily outnumbering grey birds. Other birds of the same genus included Little Egrets and 1 Great Egret. Red-tailed and White-tailed Tropicbirds were both breeding. Nine Oriental Cuckoos, a Sacred Kingfisher, a pair of Magpie Larks and several Buff Banded Rails were the only land birds seen. The Rails were splashing in …

]]>A 10 day private trip to Ashmore Reef in January, 10 days of pure birdwatching. The journey from Darwin to Ashmore turned out to be a bit slow on the bird front. A few Crested Terns were seen loafing on floating bits of timber and several Brown Boobies were perched on navigator markers in Darwin harbour, then to my great excitement four Irrawaddi Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) bobbed past the bow – unexpected to say the least.

A few Lesser Frigatebirds and mixed flocks of Common and White-winged Black Terns were concentrating on baitfish, several Streaked Shearwaters seen later that afternoon. More cetacean excitement with a pod of 6 False Killer Whales followed shortly afterwards by several large pods of Tropical Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris). At first light the following day I saw the first Sooty Terns of the trip quickly followed by 4 Pantropical Spotted Dolphins (Stenella attenuate). After a rushed breakfast – I didn’t want to miss any action – more Sooty Terns were seen and a Green Sea Turtle (Chilonias midas). By mid morning Common Noddies were mixed with Sooty Terns and excitement reached new levels with a superb view of one Tahiti Petrel. The extraordinary sight of two lemon migrant butterflies Catopsilia pomona pomona, which were living up to their name, this species was also recorded on Ashmore later on the trip. On the approach to Ashmore large numbers of birds were seen at sea, Lesser Frigatebirds, Sooty Terns, Common Noddies, Black Noddies and Great Frigatebird.

After our arrival I investigated West Island, hot conditions seemed to slow the bird activity down. However a nice selection of species were found but unfortunately no vagrants. Birds recorded on West Island included Eastern Reef Egrets, with white morphs easily outnumbering grey birds. Other birds of the same genus included Little Egrets and 1 Great Egret. Red-tailed and White-tailed Tropicbirds were both breeding. Nine Oriental Cuckoos, a Sacred Kingfisher, a pair of Magpie Larks and several Buff Banded Rails were the only land birds seen. The Rails were splashing in saltwater pools on the foreshore. A Crested Tern was observed picking up a Green Sea Turtle hatchling from the surface of the ocean, the Tern dropped the poor helpless hatchling twice back into the water before finally flying off with it calling madly as it was joined by another Crested Tern. West Island usually has a good selection of waders, a large herb field in the island’s centre often attracts loafing waders. They feed on insects found amongst the low mat of grasses and prostrate weeds. Whimbrels are common on the island and often use the shade of Octopus bushes that form the shrubby fringe around the island. Wader species found as single birds on West Island included Lesser Sandplover, Eastern Curlew, Sharptailed Sandpiper and Oriental Pratincole. Ruddy Turnstones, Greater Sandplover, Pacific Golden Plover, Grey-tailed Tattlers, Common Sandpiper, Sanderling, Greenshank and Red-necked Stints were all common.

Middle Island was heaving with birdlife with an estimated 7,500 pairs of breeding Sooty Terns protecting what appeared to be newly laid eggs. Large loafing flocks of Sooty Terns and Common Noddies camped on wet sand calling continuously, the cacophony was almost deafening. A constant stream of terns flying to and from the island, these incubating birds soaking their belly & breast feathers with seawater, by flying low, skimming the surface of the water, almost stalling before flying off again. These birds then returned to their eggs to moisten and cool them down.

Both Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds were breeding and sitting on eggs. Hundreds of Lesser Frigatebirds were also present on the island some of which were sitting on newly completed nests but none were seen with eggs. Several hundred Brown Boobies were also preparing to breed, their nests placed on the ground, unlike the Red-footed Boobies preference for bushes or shrubs. Common Noddies and Black Noddies were loafing on the sandy beaches as the tide crept up with numbers getting up into the high hundreds – what an impressive sight. Black Noddies are always less numerous but easier to pick out by their smaller size, long thin bill and their darker plumage. Several Masked Boobies were hanging about to complete the trifecta, their behaviour indicating a readiness to breed.

Migratory waders congregated around East Island in large numbers when compared with West or Middle Island. The muddy sand flats here must be rich in food. It was interesting to note the mix of species with Sanderling, Great Knot and Curlew Sandpiper feeding together in substantial numbers, in my experience this is an odd combination.

East Island also has an impressive number of seabirds, for starters, an estimated 10,000 pairs of breeding Sooty Terns, a smaller colony of Crested Terns and a pair of courting Masked Boobies. Evidence of a previous breeding cycle of Common Noddies was apparent by numerous desiccated fully fledged juveniles. What caused this partial failure in their breeding is unknown. Several thousand Common Noddies and well over 100 Black Noddies were present loafing on the shoreline and sand flats with huge numbers of Sooty Terns.

Two sandbars were investigated during the high tide, one situated several kilometres south of East Island the other positioned mid way between Middle and East Island. Over 10,000 migratory waders were counted including significant numbers of Grey Plover (600), Pacific Golden Plover (300), Greater Sandplover (1,200), Sanderling (320), Great Knots (1,600), Bar-tailed Godwit (2,500), Grey-tailed Tattler (1,300), Whimbrel (350) and Ruddy Turnstone (800). Half a dozen Asiatic Dowitchers and Black-tailed Godwits were also seen. Several of these species were seen in Internationally significant numbers. Ashmore Reef really is a fascinating birding location.

]]>http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/wet-season-visit-ashmore-reef/feed/04 Day Dampier Peninsulahttp://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/4-day-dampier-peninsula/
http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/4-day-dampier-peninsula/#respondTue, 28 May 2013 02:53:55 +0000http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/?p=81A short 4 day trip from the 19th to 22nd April with Frances Taylor and Clare Gifford was a knockout trip. We found Gouldian Finches on the first day drinking at a puddle on the Cape Leveque Road and then again at our campsite over the next two days with a total of 23 birds observed. It’s great to see this species doing well on the Peninsula. Rose-crowned Fruit Doves showed very well and mangrove birds like Shining Flycatcher and Mangrove Golden Whistler were very obliging. The northern end of the Dampier Peninsula has such a range of rich habitats in close proximity that it’s entirely possible to see Beach Stone Curlew one minute, Gouldian Finch and Chestnut-backed Button Quail the next. Talking of these spectacular Button-Quail—we saw them too!! On the raptor front, Square-tailed Kites were seen regularly, often floating over dense mangrove forest. Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites and Ospreys are incredibly common up here, it easy to become blasé about these handsome birds of prey. Our trip total was over 120 species with some cracking views of some rare and difficult ones. Good luck Clare & Frances on future birding trips.

]]>A short 4 day trip from the 19th to 22nd April with Frances Taylor and Clare Gifford was a knockout trip. We found Gouldian Finches on the first day drinking at a puddle on the Cape Leveque Road and then again at our campsite over the next two days with a total of 23 birds observed. It’s great to see this species doing well on the Peninsula. Rose-crowned Fruit Doves showed very well and mangrove birds like Shining Flycatcher and Mangrove Golden Whistler were very obliging. The northern end of the Dampier Peninsula has such a range of rich habitats in close proximity that it’s entirely possible to see Beach Stone Curlew one minute, Gouldian Finch and Chestnut-backed Button Quail the next. Talking of these spectacular Button-Quail—we saw them too!! On the raptor front, Square-tailed Kites were seen regularly, often floating over dense mangrove forest. Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites and Ospreys are incredibly common up here, it easy to become blasé about these handsome birds of prey. Our trip total was over 120 species with some cracking views of some rare and difficult ones. Good luck Clare & Frances on future birding trips.

]]>http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/4-day-dampier-peninsula/feed/013 Day Bachsten Creek Tour Fly/Drivehttp://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/13-day-bachsten-creek-tour-flydrive/
http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/13-day-bachsten-creek-tour-flydrive/#respondTue, 21 May 2013 02:51:13 +0000http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/?p=77With Peter & Brenda Wilson and John and Audrey Threadgold both from the UK. This was to be an exciting trip, 13 days driving into the Walcott Inlet via Mt. Elizabeth with my customers flying out by light aircraft back to Broome. The trip entails driving through some of the most remote and beautiful country the Kimberley has to offer. We had some stunning birding on this trip including some real rarities in the Kimberley, Masked Owl at a roost site, several excellent views of Bush Hen, Black Grasswrens on numerous occasions, Pacific Baza. We also witnessed an extraordinary sight when a Blue-winged Kookaburra consumed with some difficulty a large Pale Field Rat Rattus tunnei a common native rodent that lives in the area. We also saw some good mammals including the quaint Monjon or Kimberley Rock Weasel. Northern Quolls invaded our camp on numerous occasions and we also saw Brown Bandicoots and Sugar Gliders. The Walcott Inlet and Munja Lagoon was crawling in birds. Some of the country had recently been burnt attracting large numbers of Australian Bustards, some of the highlights here were Yellow Chat, Oriental Plover and Broad-billed Sandplover, Star Finches and numerous very large salt water crocodiles. If you want an exciting tour in the Kimberley this is the tour to book—You’ll love it.

]]>With Peter & Brenda Wilson and John and Audrey Threadgold both from the UK. This was to be an exciting trip, 13 days driving into the Walcott Inlet via Mt. Elizabeth with my customers flying out by light aircraft back to Broome. The trip entails driving through some of the most remote and beautiful country the Kimberley has to offer. We had some stunning birding on this trip including some real rarities in the Kimberley, Masked Owl at a roost site, several excellent views of Bush Hen, Black Grasswrens on numerous occasions, Pacific Baza.

We also witnessed an extraordinary sight when a Blue-winged Kookaburra consumed with some difficulty a large Pale Field Rat Rattus tunnei a common native rodent that lives in the area. We also saw some good mammals including the quaint Monjon or Kimberley Rock Weasel. Northern Quolls invaded our camp on numerous occasions and we also saw Brown Bandicoots and Sugar Gliders. The Walcott Inlet and Munja Lagoon was crawling in birds. Some of the country had recently been burnt attracting large numbers of Australian Bustards, some of the highlights here were Yellow Chat, Oriental Plover and Broad-billed Sandplover, Star Finches and numerous very large salt water crocodiles. If you want an exciting tour in the Kimberley this is the tour to book—You’ll love it.

]]>http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/13-day-bachsten-creek-tour-flydrive/feed/08 Day Mitchell Plateau Fly Drivehttp://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/8-day-mitchell-plateau-fly-drive/
http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/8-day-mitchell-plateau-fly-drive/#respondWed, 13 Mar 2013 03:05:10 +0000http://kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/?p=89Kimberley Birdwatching’s second year for this trip, its a great idea, you get a spectacular scenic flight to whet your appetite, you visit the plateau, see Black Grasswrens, then drive back to Broome via loads of gorges and beautiful country, birding all the way plus you get to meet the locals and enjoy home style cooking and catch up on the local gos – what more could you want! The October 2002 participants were Angela & Nick Blackwood from the UK but living in Melbourne and John & Pam Smallwood also from the UK. Literally as the party landed on the strip at the plateau a Square-tailed Kite flew over my vehicle and followed the line of tress behind the landing strip only to disappear out of sight as the group struggled out of the light plane “You should have been here two minutes earlier” was my rather hollow welcome, of course we didn’t see Square-tailed Kite again on the whole trip. In fact in my experience you’re lucky to see one at all, this late in the year. I welcomed everybody to the Mitchell Plateau, we bade farewell to the pilot, loaded up everyone’s bags and headed off to the Mitchell Falls—we had an urgent appointment with a Black Grasswren! On our arrival we were greeted by a small party of Yellow-faced Partridge Pigeons, well that’s a good start but it was warming up. We headed off to Little Mertens Falls, the pool below the falls looked very inviting and from here we did not move until it started to cool down. On our way to the swimming pool we found some nice birds, 20 Red-tailed Black Cockatoos making an awful racket while perched in some Woolybutts close to the creek A Northern Rosella and a few Sulphur crested Cockatoos. The rainforest patch below the falls was watched carefully with good results. An Emerald Dove, Brown Goshawk, Azure Kingfisher, Green-backed Gerygone, Yellow Oriole, White-lined, White-throated, Bar-breasted and White-gaped Honeyeaters all seen well. A family of Variegated Wrens worked the …

]]>Kimberley Birdwatching’s second year for this trip, its a great idea, you get a spectacular scenic flight to whet your appetite, you visit the plateau, see Black Grasswrens, then drive back to Broome via loads of gorges and beautiful country, birding all the way plus you get to meet the locals and enjoy home style cooking and catch up on the local gos – what more could you want!

The October 2002 participants were Angela & Nick Blackwood from the UK but living in Melbourne and John & Pam Smallwood also from the UK. Literally as the party landed on the strip at the plateau a Square-tailed Kite flew over my vehicle and followed the line of tress behind the landing strip only to disappear out of sight as the group struggled out of the light plane “You should have been here two minutes earlier” was my rather hollow welcome, of course we didn’t see Square-tailed Kite again on the whole trip. In fact in my experience you’re lucky to see one at all, this late in the year. I welcomed everybody to the Mitchell Plateau, we bade farewell to the pilot, loaded up everyone’s bags and headed off to the Mitchell Falls—we had an urgent appointment with a Black Grasswren! On our arrival we were greeted by a small party of Yellow-faced Partridge Pigeons, well that’s a good start but it was warming up. We headed off to Little Mertens Falls, the pool below the falls looked very inviting and from here we did not move until it started to cool down. On our way to the swimming pool we found some nice birds, 20 Red-tailed Black Cockatoos making an awful racket while perched in some Woolybutts close to the creek A Northern Rosella and a few Sulphur crested Cockatoos. The rainforest patch below the falls was watched carefully with good results. An Emerald Dove, Brown Goshawk, Azure Kingfisher, Green-backed Gerygone, Yellow Oriole, White-lined, White-throated, Bar-breasted and White-gaped Honeyeaters all seen well. A family of Variegated Wrens worked the rock scree under the rainforest canopy, easy to approach if you go quietly, the male sporting his usually well disguised ‘lavender’ flank. The adult females with powder blue backs always seem a little more courageous than the males. On our afternoon foray for the Grasswrens we did enjoy lovely views of White-quilled Rock Pigeons and a male Leaden Flycatcher, but no Grasswrens!! In late October tourism slows down on the plateau and we were unable to arrange accommodation for our one night on the plateau so we camped the night. We were able to organise a shower and I cooked a steak and backed potato dinner, we were all exhausted and slept like babies. The next morning was our last realistic opportunity for the elusive Grasswren. We were birding by 5:30am and found the Grasswrens by 6:30. Nick spotted them first bounding over rocks to our left, we gave chase and got very close views in fact we watched a family group of four for 20 minutes, with some stunning views. We watched the male with a largish caterpillar in his bill, he may have been feeding an immature in the group. We were all excited to have seen them so well. OK how do you better that, well we thought we could try for a Rainbow Pitta. I had a spot in mind—so off we went. After trudging around this particular patch for about two hours it became increasingly evident that we were being given the run around and to rub salt into the wound we then heard two different birds calling from opposite end of the patch! As we started to make our way out in disgust I glimpsed movement on the ground under some thick foliage and sure enough there was a Pitta. This individual not only saved the day but proved to be very confiding.

With a good tally of birds under our belt we decided to make a break for Drysdale River Station as we were due to be there that evening. Rain storms prevailed that afternoon so we made Drysdale in good time with only one short stop, seeing a Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australian Hobby and Common Bronzewing. At Drysdale at this time of year there’s always a chance of Oriental Plover on the airstrip and sure enough we found 5. Just standing there as Orientals do occasionally running forward to pick up an insect. We had 3 days at Drysdale so plenty of time to get stuck into some birds. We enjoyed Purple-crowned Wrens and Crested Shrike Tits, Pallid and Black-eared Cuckoo, Pacific Baza, Dollarbirds and Koel plus heaps of common species. We found a lone Oriental Pratincole hawking over a large pool. A local swamp was investigated and although it was almost dry we found a nice selection of birds, a young Black-necked Stork, Crimson Finches, Cattle Egret, Red-kneed Dotterel, Wood & Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Pacific Golden Plovers and another five Oriental Plovers. These drying out swamps at this time of year are a magnet for migrants, I’ve seen 20 Wagtails at this site in the past and 2 juvenile ruff. We looked for Red-backed Button Quail and King Quail here but no joy in fact we flushed nothing other than Golden-headed Cisticolas and Red-backed Fairy Wrens. The next morning we visited a favourite spot of mine for Chestnut-backed Button Quail and we got them, all nine of them, good views too, other birds included Crested Bellbird, Australian Bustard, White-throated Gerygone, Little Bronze cuckoo, Masked Finch, Crested Shrike Tit, Hooded Robin, Varied Sitella and Black-tailed Treecreeper. John spotted a pair of Bush Stone Curlews camped under a small Bloodwood and we watched a pair of Jacky Winters feeding their two recently fledged juveniles. We also found Blackfaced Woodswallow breeding, the nest containing 3 eggs. While driving back to the homestead we found a pair of Ground Cuckoo Shrikes feeding on insects in recently burnt woodland. Meanwhile back on the Drysdale River for an early morning walk on the 30th October we listed 61 species including Channel-billed Cuckoo, Collared Sparrowhawk, Black Bittern, Varied Lorikeet, Purple-crowned Fairy Wren, Crested Shrike Tit and another Black-eared Cuckoo.

On Plain Creek while searching for the elusive Gouldian Finch, (Nick by this stage was getting desperate and starting to give me a hard time—joking), we worked a small feeding flock of Long-tailed Finches. I then discovered a juvenile “greenie” Gouldian Finch perched discreetly in a Grey Box (Eucalyptus). “Gouldian Finch” I called , Nick was over like a shot and looked through the scope, he glanced up at me with a look of total disgust initially unconvinced of the birds identity. I have to admit it was a particularly dull individual but it was a Gouldian none the less!! We did find more Gouldians at Mt Elizabeth 5 half coloured immature birds, unfortunately no adults birds however the sightings were better than not seeing any at all. While making our way from Mt. Elizabeth back along the Gibb River Road to Mt Barnett Roadhouse, we decided to search the Barnett Range for Sandstone Shrike Thrush which we found but also had great views of a pair of Peregrines. These ranges are also crawling in Short-eared Rock Wallabys, we had lovely views of these mammals. On our return to the road, I managed to bog the vehicle in a sandy but dry creek bed. I was trying to go too gently so that caused a bit of extra work with everyone helping to collect suitable material to put under the wheels, in no time we were out and back birding the Gibb. Our next stop after indulging ourselves with ice creams at Mt Barnett Roadhouse was the local sewerage works, this visit proved to be almost as frustrating as the Gouldian Finch experience. As we drove up to the ponds 30 ducks flew up, one of which was a Garganey. “Garganey” I yelled as we tried to get out of the vehicle but it was too late the mob flew over the Gibb River Road and station yard and didn’t even circle us for a second look. Garganey are of course very distinctive in flight and as the ducks took off I could see the huge pale blue grey patch on the forewing highlighting the dark white bordered speculum (secondaries). Our last evening was spent at the King Sound Motel in Derby, this gave us a real go at the Derby mangroves the next morning and we did ok but (see bird list) Great-billed heron stole the show. The sewerage works turned up plenty of Little Curlew, Marsh, Wood, Sharp-tailed, Common and Curlew Sandpiper, some Yellow Wagtails and Australian Pratincoles. Our last stop was at Taylor’s Lagoon on our way back to Broome. Although the flies were a bit of a nuisance we had some great birding here. A procession of raptors coming in to drink including 2 Black-breasted Buzzards, 1 adult and 1 juvenile, Kestrel, Brown Goshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk, 2 Spotted Harriers, Whistling Kite and Brown Falcon. Cockatiels were a new bird for Nick a bird he was very keen to see, we also found several Oriental Plovers, a Long-toed Stint, Australian Bustard and to cap the whole trip off a female Yellow Chat!. A fantastic trip with over 170 species—well done everyone.